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From net neutrality to Sputnik – content marketing trends

Net neutrality repeal matters … a lot

However, the implications of this potential shift are so epic, we’ve decided to come back for a bigger bite of the cherry.

So, without further ado, let’s get stuck in to this heady debate.

What is net neutrality?

In the simplest possible terms, net neutrality is an idea (widely enshrined in law) that ensures we all use the ‘same’ internet.

To guarantee this, several countries have put rules in place to prevent internet service providers (ISPs) from penalising web users for visiting certain sites ahead of others.

Without net neutrality, ISPs could charge you to visit specific websites, or slow down page-load speeds to the extent that a site becomes almost unusable.

Companies would most likely be charged a fee for preferential site promotion from ISPs. However, commentators have posited that ISPs could hypothetically penalise brands who offer commercial competition, or even prioritise brands aligned with their political ideals.

Countries place varying degrees of importance on net neutrality. The UK has moderate net neutrality rules. However, comparatively high levels of competition make it harder for ISPs to set the agenda.

For the time being, the US has some of the strictest net neutrality laws in the world. But, Trump is no fan. So, he has appointed a lawyer employed by one of the US’ biggest ISPs as head of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the body that governs net neutrality legislation.

Trump sees him as a safe pair of hands to get these rules repealed when the FCC votes in a few weeks’ time. And, once the US goes, you can be relatively sure the UK won’t be far behind.

Spotted in the news…

Russia Today (RT) and Sputnik – both controlled largely by the Kremlin – are the targets of Google’s discontent. Commentators have accused these publications (among many others) of interfering in last year’s US presidential election and the Brexit referendum by spreading misinformation online. Meanwhile, RT and Sputnik have labelled the move as ‘censorship’.

This only goes to show the extent to which Google fulfils the role of arbitrator in the digital world. And, if you’re to get it to look on you favourably, ensuring absolute accuracy in your content is clearly the way to go!